Congratulations to Laura Shope, Prudential Snyder & Co., REALTORS®, for receiving the 2011 Environmental Awareness Award from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors!
Laura has embraced green initiatives in her work in the Ann Arbor real estate industry for many years and is passionate about environmental awareness. She is a leader in this area as illustrated by her involvement in the following:
She was the first to earn the EcoBroker designation in Ann Arbor in 2004 and was invited to be a national instructor in 2008. In 2008, Laura also participated in the revision of the EcoBroker curriculum. In July 2008, she was invited to be a key speaker at the EcoBroker Conference.Also in July she conducted the EcoBroker certification course for more than 50 agents in Fort Collins, CO and 16 agents at Prudential Snyder and Company, REALTORS® the following March.
She is regularly consulted by EnHouse, Clean Energy Coalition, and the City of Ann Arbor for a REALTOR® perspective of energy-efficient issues.
She has had many listings with energy-efficient features.
Since 2004, she has been bringing awareness to consumers through her participation in the Mayor’s Green Street Fair.
Working with banks, they now offer green financing options.
She educates all clients on energy-efficiency and environmental issues during the home buying process and maintains a green service providers list.
Growing Hope is a federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization. Itadvocateshealthy food, manages an urban farmers’ market and trains youth and adults on how tomake positive investments in their future. Laura helped purchase their Ypsilanti property, found a private investor for financing, and contributed hours and money toward the success of the programs.
Laura is currently working towards providing housing for those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity - to many of the chemicals routinely found in common building materials.Her education of builders and suppliers has been a significant contribution towards solving this problem and creating homes for those who have needlessly suffered.
Please join us in congratulating Laura! We are very proud of all of her hard work and accomplishments!
For more information on the EcoBroker programs, please feel free to call Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
Getting the best price is about bringing you the right buyers for your house. This requires a Rock Solid ® marketing plan, targeted media exposure and an extensive network of local and out-of-town buyers. When you work with an Ann Arbor based company with a global support and presence, you’re able to access unparalleled online technology, such as the Online Sellers Advantage programming.
At Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors, we pride ourselves on putting our consumers first.To that end, we have revamped our servicing programs to make information available early and often for all parties in a transaction.Check out our fabulous website with mobile phone search capabilities and ask about our new Relay technology!
We pride ourselves on our ability to work with consumers to find the best solutions for your specific needs.Our agents hold certifications and are specially trained to handle any situation.Whether you require a Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Certified Agent,or specialty marketing for your Green Living home with an EcoBroker, a Fine Homes Specialist or any other special niche you may require, we can help you!
As always, we are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs.Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends.We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
Here’s the recap of Lloyd Alter’s great article on http://www.treehugger.com about the best money (and environment) savers for the winter.The best news:Many of them are free!
1.Lower water temperature to 120°F
2.Wash clothes in cold water
3.Air dry clothes when possible
4.Turn off unneeded lights
5.Get a Programmable Thermostat
6.Stop Air Leaks (caulk doors and windows)
7.Insulate your Water Heater
8.Add Attic Insulation
9.Install Efficient Showerheads
10.Weatherize Your Windows
11.Increase AC thermostat by 3°F (in summer)
12.Install Faucet Aerators
For the full article, go to http://tinyurl.com/4pygj4 – it’s got a neat chart indicating savings in Energy, CO2 and Dollars.If you have questions regarding Green Living, please feel free to contact one of our Certified Eco-Brokers® for answers.
As always, Prudential Snyder & Company Realtors are here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays, or 734-660-0105 evenings and weekends.We’re also available via email at info@prusnyder.com or online at www.prusnyder.com anytime. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
We have a fabulous listing in Old West Side Ann Arbor for a new home that is Energy Star rated!What does that really mean?As we all know, it takes a lot of money and energy to keep a house running.According to www.energystar.gov, in 2008, Americans saved $19 billion on their energy bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 29 million cars with the help of Energy Star.Most of us agree that it’s important to save energy.We all like to save money.
In order to achieve the Energy Star rating, homes must include energy-saving features that make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes built (as compared to the 2004 International Residential Code).This is done by installing effective insulation, high performance windows, efficient heating and cooling units, lighting fixtures and bulbs, and hot water heaters.For more information on standards and guidelines for becoming Energy Star rated, you can visit their site as referenced above.
This Sunday, November 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. we are hosting anOpen House at 637.5 Fifth Street. Come by and see for yourself some of the features this new home has incorporated to earn the Energy Star designation..Please feel free to stop in and visit and ask any questions you may have about Energy Star ratings, home energy audits, or our Eco-Broker certifications.
If you’d like more information on this listing, or any of the homes available in the Greater Ann Arbor Area, please call us at 734-747-7500 or 734-747-7700 weekdays or 734-660-0105 evenings/weekends. Choose Prudential Snyder and Company for the best Ann Arbor Realtors!
The first six months ending June, 2009 were also very encouraging in the Burns Park School District. The average sale price in 2009 is down only 3% from 2008 to $ 406,644. This is after a 5% decline from 2007.
The average sale price is within 2% of the final average list price of sold residential units. This is the best in the area. The current average list price in the Burns Park School District is $ 530,774.
Interest rates, Prices and New Homebuyer Incentives continue to very attractive in the real estate market today. For more information please contact us at www.prusnyder.com.
Residential Sales – Ann Arbor School District
ANN ARBOR HOUSING MARKET TRENDS
The first six months ending June, 2009 were very encouraging. The residential sales figures for the first six months of 2009 in the Ann Arbor School district show that theaverage sale price of $ 296,419 is up 6% compared to the same period in 2008. This is after 8% and 12% declines in the previous years.
The average sale price for the first six months of 2009 is within 8% of the final average list price of sold residential units. The current average list price for a house in the Ann Arbor School district is over $ 400,000.
Interest rates, Prices and New Homebuyer Incentives continue to be very attractive in the real estate market today. For more information please contact us at www.prusnyder.com.
EcoBrokers – The future of Ann Arbor Real Estate
Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it.
Are you aware that Prudential Snyder & Company, Realtors have more EcoBrokers than any other Broker in Michigan? Our Certified EcoBrokers join the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable and healthier features in homes and buildings.
So why should YOU work with an EcoBroker?
Buyer Benefits
1. Know more about the potential monthly savings or cost of a home:EcoBrokers have an understanding of energy efficiency and the costs or savings associated with insulation, windows, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other features of your home that affect your monthly bottom line.
GE announced today that it’s in-sourcing a key R&D facility to a site just outside of Detroit, here in Van Buren Township. This new Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center will offer jobs to more than 1,100 scientists and engineers focusing on information technology, clean energy and aviation R&D.
The “Green Friendly” jobs will include everything from:
wind turbines
finding faster and more efficient ways of machining components
developing inspection, casting, and coating technologies for General Electric’s Aviation and Energy Businesses
software development
data architecture
networking
business intelligence and program management.
business operations for several advanced technologies, like the smart grid
The site also will serve as a training hub for GE information technology professionals.
Are you interested in learning more about the local “Green Revolution?”
Did you know that Prudential Snyder & Company has more Certified EcoBrokers than any other local Real Estate Company?
Our Certified EcoBrokers join the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy efficient, sustainable, and healthier future in homes and buildings.
In our commitment to being the Local Innovation Leader, we at Prudential Snyder & Company would like to invite you to CLICK TO THE FUTURE of Real Estate!
The ninth annual Ann Arbor Green Fair drew an enthusiastic crowd of ecologically minded people to the Downtown area last Friday on June 12th. Over 100 exhibits were available with environmental information which included everything from clean energy, green construction, hands-on youth activities and face painting along with the some of the Prudential Snyder & Company EcoBrokers!
David Wallner, also a Prudential Snyder & Company EcoBroker enjoyed educating the public on the benefits of working with an EcoBroker and also left the Green Fair with a lasting impression of Eco-Friendly living. “After attending the 2009 Ann Arbor Green Fair, I made the decision to order an energy audit on my house. This is a great start for conserving energy.”
The fair was broken down to four related events:
The Environmental Leaders Area: more than 50 environmental nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and participating businesses that have earned the “Waste Knot” partner designations from Washtenaw County.
Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. Are you aware that Prudential Snyder & Company have more EcoBrokers than anyother Broker in Michigan? Our Certified EcoBrokers® join the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier features in homes and buildings.
Visit EcoBroker Laura Shope and our other EcoBrokers this evening at the 9th Annual Green Fair on Main Street, Friday, June 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit County booths including Water Resources’ RiverSafe Homes, Environmental Health’s Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program and ETCS’ Weatherization Assistance – among the more than 100 exhibits with free environmental information, entertainment, hands-on youth activities and more.
Five Tips for a Green Home
As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being “green” with these five tips:
1) Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.